Should You Leave the TV On for Your Dog?

It’s a surprisingly common question: Should I leave the TV or radio on for my dog when I go out?

And the answer is... maybe. Like most things in the dog-world, it depends on your pup, their personality, and what’s playing. So, what’s the deal with dog screen time? Let’s start with why some owners hit play before heading out.

 

Why Owners Do It

Leaving the TV or radio on can feel like a way to keep your dog company, and in some cases, it actually helps. The gentle background noise can:

📺 Mask outdoor sounds that might trigger barking (hello, passing trucks)
📻 Create a sense of normalcy and human presence
🎵 Distract bored or anxious pups while you're away

In some cases, background noise can be a simple way to reduce silence-triggered stress. It’s not a magic cure, but it might be part of the toolkit.

 

What Should You Play?

Not all content is created equal — some sounds soothe, while others overstimulate. Here’s what tends to work best: 

🍃 Nature documentaries – soothing voiceovers and animal visuals can be oddly captivating.

 🎶 Calm classical or soft jazz – gentle music can help some dogs settle.

 📺 Specialised dog TV – yep, it’s a thing. Some services offer programming made just for dogs (think: slow-moving visuals, relaxing sounds, fewer explosions).

❌ Skip anything too intense: loud action scenes, doorbell sounds (unless you want a whole lot of confusion), or shows with sudden shouting or dramatic shifts in volume.

 

When to Skip It

Sometimes, more noise = more stimulation. Leave the TV off if your dog gets hyper or agitated watching screens, they bark at every animal sound, or they’re calm and sleep while you’re gone anyway.

In these cases, silence — or a cozy nap zone — might be better than a streaming subscription.

 

Bonus Tip: Try It and See

There’s no one-size-fits-every-dog rule here. Try leaving something on during a short trip and watch how your pup reacts. Do they relax? Pace? Fall asleep to reruns of The Great British Bark Off (this is one of Fergus’ personal faves)?

Whether it’s part of your regular routine or just an experiment, it’s worth seeing how your pup responds.

 

Final Scene: The Verdict 🎬

TV isn’t essential for every dog, but for some, it’s a comforting background hum that makes the time alone a little easier. Whether it’s Mozart, squirrels, or mellow monologues, the right soundscape could turn a lonely afternoon into something a bit more soothing.

 

💬 Got a pup who loves (or hates) the TV? Let us know their favourite shows in the comments!